VICTORIA, Seychelles, President Wavel Ramkalawan has explained that the recent appointments of non-Seychellois nationals to key positions were primarily aimed at enhancing the standards of both the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Seychelles Revenue Commission (SRC). He disclosed that vacancies for both roles were publicly advertised, and after careful consideration by the selection panel, the most qualified candidates were chosen. The newly appointed officials are South African Varsha Singh as Commissioner General of the Seychelles Revenue Commission and Mauritian Li Fa Cheung Kai Suet as chief executive of the National Bureau of Statistics.
President Ramkalawan noted that in both cases, Seychellois individuals are being identified as understudies. He emphasised that Seychellois nationals are always given priority over non-Seychellois nationals in such appointments. The head of state made these remarks yesterday evening during his second live press briefing at the State House, where he invited journalists to inquire about significant matters in Seychelles.
Other topics that President Ramkalawan discussed during the conference included the December 7 disaster relief fund, the CCCL explosion investigation, the situation at Montagne Posée Prison, the proposed pandemic treaty and efforts to support home carers. He addressed each topic in turn, providing updates on government actions and acknowledging areas where more work remains to be done. The wide-ranging session reflected the government’s commitment to engaging with the public on issues of national importance.
On the CCCL explosion, President Ramkalawan refuted claims made by United Seychelles National Assembly member Wallace Cosgrow regarding the presence of explosives intended for either the police or military at the CCCL explosives store during the December 7, 2023 explosion. He stated that a minister would address the matter during next Tuesday’s session of the National Assembly to rectify what he referred to as a significant lie. He acknowledged that the military had access to a key for a container of explosives stored at the facility.
Regarding the situation at Montagne Posée Prison, the President expressed concern about drug trafficking within the facility, attributing it to complicit prison staff and calling for greater integrity among them. On home carers, he noted that the government plans to address the challenges they encounter, including the evaluation of their compensation packages. The President also announced that a significant contribution will be made to the December 7 Disaster Relief Fund, though the amount was not disclosed during the briefing.
